Editor’s note: Ramona Ratiu, CISA, CISM, is the recipient of this year’s ISACA Technology for Humanity Award for visionary leadership in advancing cybersecurity careers, empowering women and amplifying underrepresented voices in tech. Ratiu, Head of Cyber Resilience Testing Program at Zurich Insurance Company and Immediate Past President of the ISACA Chicago Chapter, and her fellow Global Achievement Award honorees will be recognized in May at ISACA Conference North America in Orlando. Find out more about her in this Q&A with the ISACA Now blog below, and learn more about ISACA’s Global Achievement Awards here.
ISACA Now: What does winning the Technology for Humanity Award mean to you personally and professionally?
Receiving ISACA’s Technology for Humanity Award is both an incredible honor and a profound reminder of why I do what I do. This recognition is not just about my work—it represents the collective effort of so many who are driving change in cybersecurity, opening doors for underrepresented voices and ensuring that technology is a tool for empowerment, not exclusion.
For me, this award is a symbol of possibility. It reinforces my belief that with the right support, mentorship, and advocacy, we can break down barriers and create meaningful opportunities for individuals who may have never imagined a future in cybersecurity. It fuels my passion to keep pushing forward—to innovate, to educate and to lift others as I climb.
More than anything, this award belongs to the communities I serve, the women I mentor, the underprivileged professionals I’ve supported and the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. It’s a call to action to continue this mission, ensuring that technology truly serves humanity by being inclusive, ethical and accessible to all.
ISACA Now: This is not the first time the ISACA community has recognized your leadership with an award. What does being part of the ISACA community mean to you?
Being part of the ISACA community has been an incredibly fulfilling journey. The recognition I’ve received, including the recent Technology for Humanity Award, along with the ISACA Inspirational Leader Award and the Outstanding Chapter Leader Award, serves as a powerful reminder of the shared dedication and collective effort that drives our community forward. These awards reflect not only my personal growth but the unwavering commitment of our entire ISACA family to advancing innovation, diversity and professional development.
The recognition from ISACA inspires me to continually aim higher and pursue even greater aspirations. It’s truly motivating to be part of an organization that acknowledges the hard work of its members, driving us to achieve more and create a greater impact. After all, who doesn’t appreciate being recognized for their efforts, especially when it fuels a passion for doing even more?
This support from ISACA propels me to continue working toward meaningful change, not just for our members but for the cybersecurity profession as a whole, with the goal of leaving a lasting and positive impact.
ISACA Now: As the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador for the Global Council for Responsible AI, what does this role mean to you, and how do you envision it advancing your work in promoting ethical AI and responsible technology leadership?
On February 20, 2025, at the House of Lords, I had the profound honor of taking an oath to become the U.S. Ambassador for the Global Council for Responsible AI (GCRAI). The Council convened over 60 distinguished leaders from around the world, united in a shared mission to shape the future of AI—ensuring that it remains ethical, secure and a force for global good.
The GCRAI’s core objectives include:
- Fostering secure AI development and adoption – Championing responsible design, implementation and integration across industries to safeguard ethical technological progress.
- Promoting responsible AI awareness – Advancing education, training and recruitment initiatives from entry-level roles to C-suite and boardroom leadership, ensuring ethical AI literacy at all levels.
- Upholding ethical AI standards – Reinforcing transparency, fairness and accountability to enhance business resilience and operational efficiency through responsible innovation.
- Driving global collaboration – Harmonizing governance and regulatory frameworks to create a unified approach to responsible AI on a worldwide scale.
- Advancing responsible innovation – Developing AI-driven solutions that empower workforces, benefit humanity and proactively mitigate business risks.
It is a privilege to stand alongside visionary Ambassadors from across the globe as we embark on this pivotal initiative.
As a longstanding advocate for governance, risk and compliance, this mission deeply aligns with the ISACA community’s commitment to advancing digital trust and responsible technology leadership. ISACA professionals play a critical role in shaping AI governance, ensuring security, privacy and ethical considerations remain at the forefront of innovation. By championing responsible AI practices, we empower organizations to mitigate risks, enhance resilience, and drive sustainable, technology-driven growth. Through collaboration, education and advocacy, ISACA members can be at the helm of creating AI solutions that uphold integrity and inspire confidence in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
ISACA Now: You’ve often emphasized the power of collaboration as a key factor in advancing the industry. In that context, how do you see the role of local ISACA chapters and leaders in driving the global impact of the organization?
I believe that ISACA chapters and leaders play a critical role in sharing the organization's mission and vision. We are the veins that propel ISACA’s mission, translating its global objectives into local action. As ambassadors of ISACA, we ensure that its values are reflected in every community, fostering growth, education and collaboration. By empowering leaders at the chapter level, we amplify ISACA’s impact on a global scale, ensuring that its core principles—responsible governance, digital trust and ethical technology leadership—remain at the forefront of the cybersecurity and technology sectors. I am also deeply grateful that ISACA recognizes the efforts and dedication of its leaders through awards, as it not only highlights the hard work of individuals but also inspires others to contribute to the greater good of the community and the industry as a whole.
